As a booming heavy transport company based in Queensland with growth regularly apparent, Carroll Group is committed to increasing the productivity of its fleet while lowering emissions simultaneously.
This focus, in recent times, has been led by the collection of additional Performance-Based Standards permits on new high productivity units which, operating under Higher Mass Limits (HML), have been reducing the number of trucks required.
Carroll Group’s latest investment in Krueger trailers, coordinated through The Brown and Hurley Group, is testament to this objective. The fleet has taken delivery of five new 30m A-double combinations which offer significant benefits with enhanced efficiency, payload capacity and network accessibility. By meeting Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Level 2 requirements and adhering to reference vehicle dimensions for Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, they also ensure seamless network access by reducing route restrictions and improving operational flexibility.
With carrying capacities of 40 pallets (20 per trailer), the combinations deliver a 17 per cent efficiency gain over conventional 34-pallet B-doubles and allow Carroll Group to transport more goods per trip. With increased Gross Combination Masses (GCM) of up to 85 tonnes, they have also achieved considerably higher payloads (around 18 per cent) over standard tri-tri (axle) B-doubles. And, by operating under HML, they are optimising freight capacity while maintaining compliance.
The trailer combinations are fairly unique due to the inclusion of recessed rear bumpers, a design which further improves their handling by enhancing manoeuvrability via the dolly. This specification is also a significant development for Krueger as the approach, previously implemented on A-double skels, has now been applied for the first time on a Kurtainer model through this delivery.
The PBS A-doubles have been dedicated to complete shuttle runs in Carroll Group’s operations from its home base in Yatala, Queensland, to Gladstone and north Queensland. Servicing the oil and gas, mining, projects and heavy haulage industries, they join four other Krueger trailers in the fleet and have proven to be practical and effective solutions.
“We have several Krueger trailers now and they have always been a very solid product,” says Carroll Group Director, Troy Carroll. “We travel all over Australia, so we need quality-proven products. These trailers have been running everywhere without any issues.”
The delivery was supported by Krueger’s primary dealer, The Brown and Hurley Group, who were able to provide the units within the exact timeframe they were needed in. Troy was facing a very tight deadline towards the end of last year to ensure the trailers would be specified correctly and delivered in time for a new transport contract. This required the entire Brown and Hurley team to be available over the Christmas holiday period, and it’s something they committed to with ease.
“Brown and Hurley were great to deal with,” he says. “They were honest and upfront about the lead times and they gave us everything we needed. We already buy all of our Kenworths from them, so we knew it would work out.”
The Brown and Hurley Group has enjoyed a successful partnership with Krueger since 2019, and as two family-owned companies, they share many mutual values and principles. This common ground, according to The Brown and Hurley Group Trailer Sales Manager, John Cole, gives both businesses the confidence to provide customers such as Carroll Group with trailing equipment that is manufactured and supported to the highest standards.
“It is essential that we meet our customers’ needs effectively,” he says. “While A-doubles aren’t for everyone, they are an ideal fit for Troy’s project. These new trailers will be utilised perfectly for the task assigned to them.”
Krueger and The Brown and Hurley Group have maintained their strategic alignment over the last six years by working very closely to support the transport industry across Queensland and beyond. Both companies have strengthened their presence in the industry through this collaboration, offering customers access to high-performance transport equipment, ongoing maintenance and tailored solutions to meet the evolving demands of the Australian logistics sector.
Krueger National Sales Manager, George Athanasi, says this approach has reinforced the reputation of both businesses as trusted partners in transport by ensuring long-term value for customers nationwide.
“When Brown and Hurley works with customers like Carroll Group that are seeking new equipment, the process runs seamlessly in partnership with Krueger to deliver the ideal solution,” he says.
“Through our dealer partnership with Brown and Hurley, the process runs seamlessly to deliver the ideal solution. Brown and Hurley assess the customer’s transport needs first and foremost, leveraging their strong industry relationships and market expertise. They then collaborate with Krueger to identify the best trailer specifications, ensuring compliance and optimal performance.
“Over our long-standing history together, when they have a customer, like Carrol Group, the transition from sales through to manufacturing and delivery is like dealing with one company. You then add in Krueger’s and Brown and Hurley’s combined aftersales service and parts network and we’re able to support customers on a national level – giving them the best of both worlds.”
